Several areas in Basilan and Zamboanga were flooded following heavy rains.

Around 70 families in Barangays Matibay and Malinis in Lamitan City, Basilan were forced to flee their homes due to bad weather.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said the two barangays often get flooded during heavy rain.

The families who evacuated returned to their homes after floodwaters subsided.

In Zamboanga City, several streets in the Central Business District were flooded. In Barangay Tugbungan, floodwaters reportedly entered the houses.

Two areas in Barangay San Jose Gusu also experienced flooding that reached up to the waist.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said it is prepared should heavy rains persist.

“There was no evacuation done, neither there is loss of life. Nothing beats preparedness on a community level. May resolution tayo na ‘forced relocation’ that should be implemented kung kailangan na talaga,” ZCDRRMO Chief, Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, said.

Meanwhile, massive flooding also hit Barangay Suluan in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

No one was reported hurt, however, three cows were swept away by flood.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the heavy rains that caused flooding were triggered by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and low pressure area (LPA).